Pub chain Wetherspoon has announced price reductions across its 800 UK venues, with children's meals dropping to as low as 99p. The cuts follow the government's temporary VAT reduction on family activities, which lowered the tax from 20% to 5% for three months starting June 25.
Under the scheme, a typical children's meal will cost £5.03, down from £5.75, while desserts fall to £1.01 from £1.15. The move is part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' 'Great British Summer Savings' initiative, which also includes price cuts at chains like McDonald's, KFC, and Vue cinemas.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the VAT reduction aims to help families afford 'moments that matter' amid the cost of living crisis. Wetherspoon welcomed the temporary cut but reiterated its long-standing call for a permanent VAT reduction for the hospitality sector.
A Wetherspoon spokesperson stated: 'A permanent reduction would bring much longer-term benefits to both customers and businesses and create a level playing field with supermarkets.' The price cuts are effective from June 25 to September 1.
